drive module and motor vehicle with such a module

Abstract

Drive module (10) with a traction pulse inverter (13), a traction electric machine (14) and an eTV electric machine (16) for an eTV actuator (15), characterized by at least one of the following features: - the traction pulse inverter (13) contains an eTV pulse inverter (17) or - the traction pulse inverter (13) contains a control unit (18) for the eTV actuator (15).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive module comprising a traction pulse inverter, a traction electric motor, and an eTV electric motor for an eTV actuator. The present invention further relates to a battery-electric motor vehicle with such a drive module. State of the art

[0002] Torque vectoring generally refers to the targeted distribution of drive torque to the individual wheels of an axle. Conventional torque vectoring systems use mechanical components such as differentials with variable torque distribution for this purpose.

[0003] More recently, electromechanical torque vectoring (eTV) systems have gained importance. These systems use an additional electric motor to distribute the drive torque to the wheels of an axle by generating additional torque. This allows for more precise control of power transmission to the road and improves driving dynamics.

[0004] An eTV system typically consists of an eTV actuator, which includes the additional electric motor, an associated pulse inverter, and a control unit. This eTV actuator is usually located separately from the traction pulse inverter, which supplies power to the main drive electric motor.

[0005] JP2021100318A discloses a redundant drive train. In particular, it describes a mechanism for superimposing torques, which makes it possible to transfer the torque of one drive motor to that of another.

[0006] JP2022135024A describes an electrical configuration for vehicles that uses a shared alternating current (AC) supply for two induction motors, each driving one wheel of the vehicle. A power controller is used to regulate the AC power in one mode when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead and in another mode when the vehicle is turning. The frequency of the AC power is adjusted to the respective mode to control the slip ratios of the motors. For this purpose, the system includes a single inverter that supplies the AC power to both motors.

[0007] US20230032091A1 describes a drive system for a vehicle in which a single motor drives each wheel, the speed and torque of which can be controlled independently. This system uses a module that combines two inverters that share common components, such as a DC link capacitor.

[0008] US20230031958A1 describes a configuration in which a common controller is used for two power inverters of a drive module, including fault handling. It further describes a dual-power inverter module that incorporates a DC link capacitor, requiring only one high-voltage connection to supply both inverters with high voltage. The module also utilizes a common controller for both inverters.

[0009] EP3293811A1 describes a battery system for electric vehicles that integrates various components into a single housing to reduce manufacturing complexity and lower costs. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] One problem is that conventional drive modules use a multitude of separate components, increasing the vehicle's complexity and weight, and requiring installation space. This challenge is exacerbated by the additional space required by an eTV actuator. Furthermore, the need to manage multiple electrical and electronic interfaces increases the potential for failure.

[0011] Furthermore, the separate control of the eTV system components can slow down the reaction time to driving conditions and thus limit the effectiveness of torque vectoring in critical driving situations. This can negatively affect the vehicle's driving dynamics and safety in certain cases.

[0012] Another problem is the efficiency of the overall system. Every additional component and control unit requires energy, which increases the vehicle's energy consumption. This not only results in a shorter range for the electric vehicle but can also negatively impact its environmental footprint.

[0013] The described problem is solved by a drive module with a traction pulse inverter, a traction electric machine and an eTV electric machine for an eTV actuator and by a battery electric motor vehicle with a drive module according to the independent claims.

[0014] This approach has the advantage of significantly reducing the space required in the vehicle. This results in a lighter and more compact overall system, which in turn contributes to improved energy efficiency and increased vehicle range.

[0015] Integrating the traction and eTV pulse inverters and their control units into a single housing simplifies electrical connections and reduces the system's susceptibility to faults. This improves vehicle reliability and simplifies maintenance. The unified control platform also enhances the responsiveness of the torque vectoring system by accelerating signal transmission between components, thus optimizing driving dynamics and safety under various driving conditions.

[0016] In addition, the centralized connection of all main components to a common high-voltage terminal simplifies their electrical connection. A single high-voltage filter for the entire drive module not only reduces installation effort but also contributes to lower manufacturing costs. The shared use of power semiconductor switches between the pulse inverters improves efficiency and helps optimize energy consumption.

[0017] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows the block diagram of a conventional drive module. Fig. 2 shows one of the Fig. 1 corresponding block diagram of a module according to the invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a drive module (10) of the rear axle of a vehicle. This module comprises a traction electric motor (14) and a traction transmission (11), which transmits the drive power generated by this motor to the wheels of the vehicle. A separate eTV wheelset (12) is provided for electromechanical torque distribution and is controlled by an eTV actuator (15).

[0019] In this case, the eTV actuator (15) includes its own eTV electric motor (16), an associated eTV pulse inverter (17), and a dedicated control unit (18). These components are spatially separated from the traction electric motor (14) and the traction pulse inverter.

[0020] The traction electric motor (14) coupled to the traction transmission (11) is supplied with energy via a separate traction pulse inverter (13). The eTV actuator (15) is spatially separated from this traction pulse inverter (13) and comprises an additional eTV electric motor (16), its own eTV pulse inverter (17), and a separate control unit (18).

[0021] In contrast, it shows Fig. 2 the block diagram of a module according to the invention, which represents essential elements from Fig. Figure 1 provides for a different configuration. Here, the traction pulse inverter (13) and the eTV pulse inverter (17) are housed in a single enclosure and share common power electronics. The control of the traction pulse inverter (13) has been integrated into the eTV control unit (18). This integrated design eliminates the need for separate high-voltage connections and filters. Reference symbol list 10 Drive module 11 Traction gearboxes 12 eTV wheel set 13 Traction Pulse Inverters 14 Traction electric machine 15 eTV actuator 16 eTV electric machine 17 eTV pulse inverters 18 (eTV) control unit QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2021100318A

[0005] JP 2022135024A

[0006] US 20230032091A1

[0007] US 20230031958A1

[0008] EP 3293811A1

[0009]

Claims

[1] Drive module (10) with a traction pulse inverter (13), a traction electric machine (14) and an eTV electric machine (16) for an eTV actuator (15), characterized by at least one of the following characteristics: - the traction pulse inverter (13) contains an eTV pulse inverter (17) or - the traction pulse inverter (13) contains a control unit (18) for the eTV actuator (15). [2] Drive module according to claim 1, characterized by the following characteristic: - the eTV electric machine (16) has a housing separate from the eTV pulse inverter (17) or eTV actuator (15). [3] Drive module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the following characteristic: - the eTV electric machine (16) is arranged outside of the traction pulse inverter (13). [4] Drive module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the following characteristic: - the drive module (10) includes a traction transmission (11) with an eTV wheelset (12). [5] Drive module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the following characteristic: - the drive module (10) has a common high-voltage connection for the traction pulse inverter (13) and eTV actuator (15). [6] Drive module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the following characteristics: - the eTV control unit (18) contains logic circuits and processors or memory for the traction pulse inverter (13) and the eTV pulse inverter (17) and - the eTV control unit (18) contains a single circuit board which carries the logic circuits and processors or memory. [7] Drive module according to claim 6, characterized by the following characteristic: - the processors or memory are connected to a common data bus. [8] Drive module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythe following characteristics: - the drive module (10) includes a high-voltage filter and - the traction pulse inverter (13) and eTV pulse inverter (17) are each electrically connected to the high-voltage filter on the output side. [9] Drive module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the following characteristics: - the traction pulse inverter (13) contains power semiconductor switches and - the traction pulse inverter (13) and eTV pulse inverter (17) are configured to share the power semiconductor switches. [10] Battery electric vehicle, characterized by the following characteristic: - the motor vehicle has a drive module according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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